Breaking Defense Daily is reporting that the Air Force aims for "integration" of next-generation adaptive turbofan engine technologies by 2030, potentially for the F-47 stealth fighter, though no final decisions have been made. It said Eric Fanning, chief of the Aerospace Industries Association, discussed industry's perspective on Congress' potential continuing resolution.
The outlet is also reporting the Army selected GM Defense, Ford and BC Customs to build nine ISV-Heavy prototypes, expected by March 30, 2027. Separately, the Coast Guard is seeking technology to defeat unmanned underwater vehicles, noting a lack of "tested and fielded" solutions.
Breaking Defense Daily said the Pentagon is finalizing a seven-year deal with L3Harris to increase production of rocket motors for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors. Rep. Sheri Biggs, R-S.C., argued that the current demand for U.S. air power abroad is unsustainable without significant force growth. Lockheed Martin executive Stephanie Hill stated laser air defense systems will be operational before the decade's end.
The publication also noted that CAE hopes Canada's new GCAP status will bring industry business, and the Pentagon's special operations office hosted its first "Shark Tank"-style Accelerator Event, selecting 15 finalists from 700 proposals. Finally, the UK selected Tekever AR5 surveillance drones to replace Watchkeeper, with up to 24 aircraft for the British Army by 2029.